9 ways to celebrate Shakespeare

This weekend marks 400 years since the Bard's death

With Saturday 23rd April marking the 400th anniversary since playwright William Shakespeare passed away, a whole host of festivities will launch across the country commemorating his most famous works and extraordinary life.

Here are just a few ways to pay tribute to the Bard.

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BBC Festival What: An entirely virtual festival, an entire series dedicate to William Shakespeare will see David Tennant host Shakespeare Live! From the RSC on Saturday 23rd April, where he’ll be joined by the likes of Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellen, while Benedict Cumberbatch will star in The Hollow Crown: The War of the Roses as Richard III, Russell T. Davies will create his own version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream starring Matt Lucas and Maxine Peake and Ben Elton will pen his own comedy, Upstart Crow, starring David Mitchell as Shakespeare himself. When: From 23rd April For more information, visit Bbc.co.uk

The Complete Walk What: Thirty seven screens are being dotted along London’s riverside, showing specially created 10-minute films celebrating Shakespeare’s plays. Between Westminster and Tower Bridge you can see Romeo And Julietfilmed in Verona, Antony And Cleopatra set in front of the pyramids and Hamleton the rocks of Elsinore. Where: London Riverside When: 23rd – 24th April 19 For more information, visit Shakespearesglobe.com

By Me William Shakespeare: A Life in Writing What: Delve deep into the Bard’s life at this exhibition at London’s Somerset House, where details from his will go on display, alongside key moments in his life, from the birth of the Globe theatre to his last days in Stratford-upon-Avon. Where: Somerset House When: Until 29th May For more information, visit Bymewilliamshakespeare.org

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Reimagined Shakespeare plays What: Shakespeare’s most famous plays are reimagined for the Hogarth Shakespeare project. The Taming of the Shrew becomes Anne Tyler’s Vinegar Girl, while Jeanette Winterson’s The Gap Of Time is inspired by The Winter’s Tale, with more stories to follow later in the year. For more information, visit Crownpublishing.com

Henry V What: Part of Shakespeare400, we see Donmar Warehouse Associate Director Robert Hastie direct one of the most famous royal plays focusing on the Battle of Agincourt, as England tries to win the French crown. Where: Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre When: From 17th June For more information, visit Openairetheatre.com

Union Street Café What: Paying tribute to the Italian settings of some of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, Venice, Verona and Vicenza, a feast of dishes inspired by the region will be accompanied by a delicious Romeo And Juliet cocktail on arrival. Think plump strands of pasta coated in anchovy and onion sauce, cuttlefish cooked in ink with peas and potatoes and beautiful fried pastry cream. Where: Union Street Café, London When: 23rd April to 22nd May For more information, visit Unionstreetcafe.co.uk

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Richard III: Live Q&A with Ian McKellen What: For one night only, the famous 1995 McKellen production of Richard III will be screened across the UK, with a short documentary from McKellen and director Richard Loncraine, who reflect on their hugely successful film, with a post-film Q&A with the duo will be broadcast live from the BFI Southbank. Where: BFI Southbank, London and various cinemas across the UK When: 28th April For more information, visit Parkcircus.com

Well Said! What: A selection of writers, poets and actors have selected their favourite quotes to be transformed into beautiful works of art by the likes of Lara Harwood, James Bulley and Paula Garfield. Where: Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford When: Until 18th September For more information, visit Rsc.org.uk

A Midsummer Night’s Dream: A Play For the Nation What: Mixing together 18 professional actors with local amateur groups from around the UK, Shakespeare’s Mechanicals will tour the country with one very special version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Where: Across the UK When: Until 16th July For more information, visit Rsc.org.uk

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